Folding door systems go by many names: accordion doors, bifold doors, concertina doors, or simply folding doors. Regardless of terminology, these versatile systems are gaining popularity in both residential and commercial projects for their ability to blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.
As interest grows, so do the questions:
· What sets one folding system apart from another?
· What are the true benefits of these operable wall solutions?
· And how can designers and homeowners avoid common pitfalls when specifying them?
In this overview, we’ll unpack the key distinctions between folding door systems, highlight their advantages, and offer expert tips to ensure your next project leverages their full potential—both in function and form.
What is the difference between accordion doors and bifold doors?
For most purposes, there is no difference between accordion doors and bifold doors. Both systems fold panels over each other and stack on either side of the doorway to create wide openings without requiring large swing arcs. This helps seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living areas and maximize the usable living space within a home or built environment.
When these door systems were first developed, they featured only two panels, which is why they were called bifold doors. As manufacturers added more panels, the term bifold door remained, even as alternative names were coined. No matter what they are called, they function the same and can include as many panels as allowable within their framing dimensions. When these panels incorporate transparent glass within narrow framing systems, they can significantly expand design possibilities.
Multi-directional folding door systems, like the Vista Fold™ multi-directional folding door, build on these possibilities. It allows multiple opening configurations, from double egress to a single wide opening and everything in between.
Accordion glass doors offer design flexibility and adaptability
Folding doors offer project teams the ability to create large openings without sacrificing usable square footage to swing arcs to support easy and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. This is especially true when accordion glass doors offer a wide range of panel sizes.
For example, Vista Fold™ from Euro-Wall can provide several maximum panel dimensions depending on performance capabilities.
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Vista Fold Maximum Door Panel Dimensions |
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Impact-rated |
Non-impact rated |
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Thermally broken |
up to 144” high and up to 54” wide |
up to 169” high and up to 54” wide |
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Not thermally broken |
up to 168” high and up to 52” wide
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up to 180” high and up to 52” wide |
As a thermally broken, non-impact rated system, Vista Fold can accommodate an unlimited number of panels within its minimal framing system to support a nearly endless amount of customization. In addition, the Vista Fold™ multi-directional folding door system allows panels to fold and slide in multiple directions to allow seamless transitions, customized openings and effortless double egress.
Accordion glass doors can also be specified in panel heights that are smaller than traditional door sizes to create unique storefront windows and kitchen pass-throughs. When these opening solutions come from leading manufacturers, they can deliver performance and style in one sleek, modern package.
Sideline potential drawbacks with top of class accordion glass doors
Early versions of accordion-style glass doors had their share of limitations, from clunky operation to minimal weather performance. But today’s premium folding systems are a different story entirely.
Engineered for strength, durability and resilience, modern folding doors are designed to meet the demands of today’s most ambitious residential and commercial spaces. They deliver smooth operation, expansive views and reliable performance in even the toughest environments.
The Vista Fold product line’s proven aluminum platform delivers impact-, wind- and forced-entry resistance ratings as well as protection from air and water infiltration. As a result, these folding door solutions can meet the criteria for use in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) like Miami-Dade County.
Vista Fold is also available as a thermally broken system to minimize thermal bridging and support a comfortable, energy-efficient interior environment.
Choose European-inspired, American-made folding doors
Folding door systems and other opening solutions from Euro-Wall deliver some of the largest heights and widths, highest load capacities, strongest panels and most design options currently on the market. Made in Florida, these innovative doors and windows are available with some the industry’s thinnest profiles to provide unobstructed views and inspirational visions.
Contact Euro-Wall today to find out how American-made doors can elevate residential and commercial projects from the Miami to Seattle and everywhere in between.